Iowa gun laws expanded

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed an expansive gun bill into law Thursday

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Updated: 5:47 PM CDT Apr 13, 2017

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WEBVTT >> THE STATE OF IOWA JUST GOTFRIENDLIER FOR GUN OWNERS GOVERNOR TERRY BRANSTAD, PUTTINGHIS SIGNATURE ON A BILL THATEXPANDS GUN LAWS IN A BIG WATHE 24-PAGE BILL THAT'S NOW LAW,OUTLINING CHANGES TO THESTAND-YOUR-GROUND PROVISION,THAT PREVIOUSLY ALLOWED PEOPLETO USE DEADLY FORCE TO DEFENDTHEMSELVES ONLY AT THEIR HOMESOR BUSINESSES.>> THIS CHANGES IT IN THE FACTTHAT YOU CAN USE FORCE IF NEEDEDALL THE TIME, NO MATTER WHEREYOU'RE AT>> ASSISTANT POTTAWATTAMIECOUNTY ATTORNEY JAMES BURGERSAYS THERE ARE 3 EXCEPTIONS YOU CAN'T BE INVOLVED IN ILLEGALACTIVITY, FLEE THE SCENE, ORDESTROY ANY EVIDENCE.>> AT BEAR ARMS GUN SHOP INCOUNCIL BLUFFS, OWNER SETH TECHBELIEVES THIS WAS A LONG TIMECOMING.>> IT'S A CRAZY WORLD AND ITHINK YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TOPROTECT YOURSELF IN THAT WORLD>> BUT LAW EXPERTS, AND LAWENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, SAYTHERE'S STILL SOME GRAY AREATHAT NEEDS TO BE CLARIFIED,PARTICULARLY WHEN IT COMES TOPROHIBITING CITIES AND COUNTIESFROM REGULATING WHERE YOU CANHAVE A GUN.>> THE ONE THING THAT IS KIND OFOPEN FOR DEBATE IS WHAT IS THATGOING TO DO TO COURTHOUSESECURITY OR SECURITY AT THECAPITAL.>> EMOTIONS RUN HIGH AND I GUESSTHAT'S A CONCERNPOTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY SHERIFF,JEFF DANKER, SAYS BESIDES THEPOSSIBILITY OF CITIZENS CARRYINGGUNS IN THE COURTHOUSE, HEDOESN'T THINK THE CHANGES WILLIMPACT COMMUNITY SAFETY ONE WAYOR THE OTHER.>> IT'S A NEW LAW, WE'RE GOINGTO HAVE TO LOOK AT IT AND WE'LLABIDE BY WHATEVER IT IS ANDENFORCE IT JUST LIKE WE ALWADO.>> GROUPS THAT ARE AGAINST THECHANGES ARE WORRIED THE LAWCOULD ENCOURAGE MORE GUNVIOLENCE, BUT SAY DRAFTS OF THEBILL WERE MUCH MORE EXPANSIVE,AND ARE HAPPY AMENDMENTS WEREMADE BEFORE IT WAS SIGNED.PARTS OF THE LEGISLATION GO INTOEFFECT IMMEDIATELY, MOST WILL BE

Iowa gun laws expanded

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed an expansive gun bill into law Thursday

Previously, Iowans were legally allowed to use deadly force to defend themselves only at their homes or businesses.

"This changes it in the fact that you can use force if needed all the time, no matter where you're at," Assistant Pottawattamie County Attorney, James Burger, said.

Burger explains there are three exceptions outlined in the legislation: you can't be involved in illegal activity, flee the scene, or destroy any evidence to use the stand-your-ground provision as a defense for deadly force.

Bear Arms LLC owner Seth Tech says the change in law was a long time coming.

"It's a crazy world and I think you should be able to protect yourself in that world," Tech said.

Law experts and law enforcement officers say there is still some gray area that needs to be clarified. The new law also says cities, counties or townships essentially cannot regulate where people can carry their guns.

"The one thing that is kind of open for debate is what is that going to do to courthouse security or security at the Capitol," Burger said.

Pottawattamie County Sheriff Jeff Danker says he will be in close contact with the county attorney's office to determine how these changes will affect his department. He says the possibility of citizens carrying their firearms inside secured government facilities like the courthouse could raise some red flags.

"Emotions run high and I guess that's a concern," Danker said.

Overall, Danker said he doesn't believe the changes will impact community safety one way or the other.

"It's a new law, we're going to have to look at it and we'll abide by whatever it is and enforce it just like we always do," Danker said.

Groups that are against the changes, like Moms Demand Action, are worried the law could encourage more gun violence. A Moms Demand Action spokesperson said drafts of the bill were much more expansive, and the group is happy that amendments were made before it was signed.

Parts of the legislation go into effect immediately. Most portions will be enforced starting July 1.